A Few Days Before
We recommend brushing and grooming your pet before their procedure as, if sutures are used, your pet cannot be groomed for up to two weeks after. For procedures without the use of sutures, regular grooming and bathing is fine.
Pets undergoing sedation or general anaesthetic need to have an empty stomach to prevent nausea and vomiting; a common side effect of medications given for anaesthetic. We recommend all pets fast from bedtime the night before, feeding a normal dinner is fine. Your pet can drink water, so ensure that freshwater is available at all times.
On the Day
Please allow your pet to toilet at home before leaving unless advised otherwise. Bring your pet in on a lead or in their carrier. We recommend leaving personal items at home but are happy for you to bring a small blanket or teddy for your pet to keep with them.
Admission is between 8am and 8:30am. If you’re unable to make this time, please contact the hospital prior to making alternative arrangements. The admission process takes around 20 minutes.
Once you arrive, our reception staff will assist you in completing admission forms for your pet. Your admission form needs to be signed for consent to the procedure and for acknowledgement of the estimated fees.
We require the following details:
- Contact numbers for yourself or someone who can speak about your pet
- A list of medications your pet is taking and when the last dose was given.
- Confirmation of your pet’s fasting
- Pet insurance details (if applicable)
You and your pet will be seen by the admitting vet or registered veterinary nurse. Once admission is complete, your pet will be taken into our hospital by their nurse and settled into their personalised hospital bed. The vet then gives your pet a preanaesthetic assessment and a blood test if required. This blood test will give us a complete picture of your pet’s liver and kidney function, blood count and overall health before any anaesthetic drugs are given. This is essential for all older or unwell animals but is highly recommended for any animal having a procedure. Fluid therapy will be started and a premedication will be given.
Once your pet has been successfully admitted, you are free to leave. You will be contacted once your pet is in recovery to inform you of how the procedure went and to organise discharge.
If you’re unable to bring your pet in for admission, please make sure that either you or another person is available to answer questions about your pet during their admission.